NITROUS OXIDE (LAUGHING GAS)
Children's Dental Nitrous Oxide in North Carolina
What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide, commonly called “laughing gas”, is an inhaled gas with a faint, sweet smell that is used to reduce pain and anxiety for a young or fearful child. It is also helpful for a child requiring a long dental procedure.
Laughing gas is actually a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. It is delivered to the body by the use of a nasal mask worn over your child’s nose as they breathe. The gas is quickly absorbed and excreted from the lungs allowing for quick onset and recovery.
Nitrous oxide administration is considered a conscious sedation method because your child will be awake and responsive during the procedure. However, they will feel relaxed due to the effects of the laughing gas. Our Children's dentists are highly experienced in giving nitrous oxide to help ease your child’s anxiety during their dental visit.
How does nitrous oxide work?
A nasal mask will be gently placed over your child’s nose and they will be asked to inhale and exhale through it. The nitrous oxide gas is then gradually turned on through the nasal mask as your child breathes. Your child will begin to feel the effects of the gas within a matter of minutes.
Following the procedure your child will be given pure oxygen (rather than the previous mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen) and the effects of the nitrous oxide will wear off almost immediately. Your child will be able to return to school after their appointment as there are no lingering side effects.
Nitrous oxide can help make your child feel comfortable!
At Triad Kids Dental we are dedicated to helping your child maintain a healthy smile. To schedule an appointment for your child with one of our specialized kids dentists or to learn more about sedation dentistry, please click HERE or give us a call.
Related FAQs
Of course! Not only do we allow parents to stay with their kids during exams and most treatments, we encourage it. We have found that having a parent stay with their child lessens the anxiety for both the child, as well as the parent. Younger patients will often lay in their parent's lap during the exam to provide the most soothing experience.
Also, being with your child during their dental appointment allows the dentist and parent to discuss their child's dental health and provide realtime feedback and tips.
The only exception is during General Anesthesia. Parents are able to be with their child when they fall asleep and wake up, but not during treatment. The treatment room is small and with the dentist, dental assistant and the anesthesiologist, the room is just too crowded to provide the safest environment for your child. During this time, you are asked to wait in the lobby. The office staff will bring you updates during treatment.
Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) is used to help children relax during dental treatment. While on Nitrous, your child's hands and feet may feel tingly and they may feel like they are floating. If children are very tired, sometimes they do nap while on N2O. After the dental treatment, your child will be placed on 100% Oxygen which flushes out the Nitrous within about 5 minutes so that your child feels no lasting effects.
If your child has received local anesthesia to complete their dental work their lips, cheeks, and tongue will remain anesthetized (numb) for a few hours following their appointment. Because they cannot feel these areas, sometimes children will accidentally bite them which causes them to swell. It is very important to monitor your child closely after their dental appointment and remind them not to suck, bite or chew on their lips, cheeks or tongue. Cold liquids, ice packs, or frozen treats (popsicles) will help provide pain relief if this occurs. If your child has any swelling following their dental appointment, please contact our office so it can be evaluated.